Sindh Region Research Articles

Flood Risk Analysis in Sindh, Pakistan: Predicting the Most Affected Tehsil Using Statistical and Machine Learning Models with Comprehensive Data

Extreme weather events pose significant risks and threats to the Sindh region, shedding light on the potential havoc they can wreak on livestock, human lives, and public infrastructure. Unusual monsoon rains in 2022 transformed the geography of Sindh, leading to devastating floods and significant damage. The current flood management strategies are effective, but there is some gap in early warning systems. Different findings suggest a need for refined approaches to improve predictive accuracy and response efficiency. The primary goal is to assess and improve existing flood response measures, identify opportunities for improvement, and strengthen resilience against flood events. In response to these challenges, this study provides actionable insights for policymakers and emergency planners to refine flood management strategies, ultimately aiming to bolster community resilience and preparedness. This paper presents a novel framework for a hybrid predictive model that combines machine learning and statistical analysis to improve the prediction of flood-induced displacement, providing timely warnings and preparing for future flood events. The selected dataset used for this research is from the 'Sindh Flood Data Analysis and Prediction 2022', which includes both demographic and geographical variables. By integrating machine learning and statistical models, the research evaluates their effectiveness in predicting flood impacts and identifying the most affected Tehsils using Python language and Seaborn library for analysis. The Gradient Boosting Classifier achieved the highest accuracy at 97.67%, followed by Logistic Regression at 95%. In contrast, Decision Trees and Lasso Regression demonstrated lower accuracies of 25% and 55%, respectively.

Land Use Change Impacts over the Indus Delta: A Case Study of Sindh Province, Pakistan

Land use and land cover changes (LULCCs) are vital indicators for assessing the dynamic relationship between humans and nature, particularly in diverse and evolving landscapes. This study employs remote sensing (RS) data and machine learning algorithms (MLAs) to investigate LULCC dynamics within the Indus River Delta region of Sindh, Pakistan. The focus is on tracking the trajectories of land use changes within mangrove forests and associated ecosystem services over twenty years. Our findings reveal a modest improvement in mangrove forest cover in specific areas, with an increase from 0.28% to 0.4%, alongside a slight expansion of wetland areas from 2.95% to 3.19%. However, significant increases in cropland, increasing from 22.76% to 28.14%, and built-up areas, increasing from 0.71% to 1.66%, pose risks such as altered sedimentation and runoff patterns as well as habitat degradation. Additionally, decreases in barren land from 57.10% to 52.7% and a reduction in rangeland from 16.16% to 13.92% indicate intensified land use conversion and logging activities. This study highlights the vulnerability of mangrove ecosystems in the Indus Delta to agricultural expansion, urbanization, resource exploitation, and land mismanagement. Recommendations include harmonizing developmental ambitions with ecological conservation, prioritizing integrated coastal area management, reinforcing mangrove protection measures, and implementing sustainable land use planning practices. These actions are essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the region’s ecosystems and human communities.

نشر تعليمات القرآن وعلومه بمنطقة السند: الشيخ محمد إبراهيم السرهندي نموذجا

Muslim scholars have given remarkable importance to the Qur’an, deeply focusing on its study, memorization and interpretation across the world. Religious scholars of Sindh Region are also among the famous scholars in the world. They have been serving Islam since it’s advent in Sindh region and that’s why Sindh was awarded title of “Bab Ul Islam”. Among these scholars, the Sarhindi family who migrated from Afghanistan, served Qur’an and its sciences in the above-mentioned region quite well. This family and its religious prominent figures and scholars achieved a great repute in Islamic Studies. Those who provided academic services to Qur’an are Shaikh Abdurrahman 1315AH, worked on Tafseer e Jalalain and Shaikh Muhammad Hasan 1365 AH who wrote 28 books, some of them are related to Qur’an and its sciences, i.e. Qawaed-ut-tajweed and Lughat ul Qur’an etc. and Shaikh Abdullah Jan Shah Agha 1393 AH who wrote 37 books, some of them are about Qur’an and its sciences i.e. Mukhzin Ul Uloom Fil Qira’at etc. and Shaikh Muhammad Ibrahim 1432 AH, authored 20 books, including some of them are about Qur’an and its sciences i.e. Huqooq Ul Qur’an, and Shaikh Abdul Waheed who translated the Qur’an into Sindhi language which is available in audio CDs too. This research revolves around the efforts of Sheikh Muhammad Ibrahim Sarhindi in the field of the Quran and its sciences. It will cover his biography, introduction to his books, his efforts for religious schools and preaching Islam and his deep connection with the Qur’an and its sciences.

ANALYSING THE VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURAL TYPOLOGY OF SINDH AND BALOCHISTAN: DWELLINGS AND THEIR VERNACULAR DESIGN

This paper analyzes the vernacular architecture in the hot-arid regions of Balochistan and Sindh to identify indigenous construction techniques and design strategies that have been part of the vernacular architectural tradition of the aforementioned regions. The paper aims to connect the age-old oral traditions of the remote region concerning construction techniques and materiality that have been translated into the vernacular architectural language/construction methodologies, dwelling layouts, and the overall identity of the region. Through a case study methodology of the local housing typologies found in the selected regions, the research will analyze various dwelling archetypes and their construction materials found in the highlighted region, such as the Chapper House, Kothi House, Chaunro House, built using rammed earth, compressed earth blocks, bamboo, and adobe. Furthermore, the research methodology also involves the analysis of relevant passive design strategies found in the identified vernacular case studies, such as verandahs, courtyards, clustering of houses, ventilation, and Jaali's, which will be identified and analyzed to understand their effectiveness as vernacular design strategies in combating the challenges of the harsh desert climate. Keywords: Vernacular architecture, Passive Design, Dwellings, Extreme Climate, Vernacular Materials

Toxic elements identified in breast milk of mothers residing in water contaminated region of Sindh and their impact on infants’ growth patterns: A case-control study

Breast milk is a vital source of nutrition for breastfed infants, providing essential nutrients and elements but, in some cases, toxic ones. This is the first case-control study that investigated the elemental profile of breast milk samples collected from mothers residing in Matiari (Sindh), a region with insufficient industrial waste management, and its potential impact on infants' anthropometrics. Precisely, 62 milk samples, including 42 cases and 20 controls, were analyzed using the ICP-MS technique. Overall, six elements showed significance between the two groups, arsenic (As) was present at 0.68 μg/L in cases and absent in controls, while lead (Pb) exhibited elevated concentrations in the case group at 4.56 μg/L compared to 0.25 μg/L in controls, well-known for their toxicity. Barium (Ba) and manganese (Mn) levels were also higher in cases, associated with reported health effects on child well-being. Essential elements molybdenum (Mo) and selenium (Se) were higher in the controls. Furthermore, the association of these metals with the child growth standards as per WHO guidelines was calculated. Linear regression analysis revealed As negatively associated with WAZ and WHZ scores, while Mo was positively associated with WAZ, WHZ, and HAZ scores. These findings highlight serious health concerns in the region, where toxic elements pervade drinking water and food sources. Immediate actions are imperative to maintain the wellness of future generations.

Dominance of Cotton leaf curl Multan virus-Rajasthan strain associated with third epidemic of cotton leaf curl disease in Pakistan

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is an economically potent crop in many countries including Pakistan, India, and China. For the last three decades, cotton production is under the constant stress of cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) caused by begomoviruses/satellites complex that is transmitted through the insect pest, whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). In 2018, we identified a highly recombinant strain; Cotton leaf curl Multan virus-Rajasthan (CLCuMuV-Raj), associated with the Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite-Vehari (CLCuMuBVeh). This strain is dominant in cotton-growing hub areas of central Punjab, Pakistan, causing the third epidemic of CLCuD. In the present study, we have explored the CLCuD diversity from central to southern districts of Punjab (Faisalabad, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, Rahimyar Khan) and the major cotton-growing region of Sindh (Tandojam), Pakistan for 2 years (2020–2021). Interestingly, we found same virus (CLCuMuV-Raj) and associated betasatellite (CLCuMuBVeh) strain that was previously reported with the third epidemic in the central Punjab region. Furthermore, we found minor mutations in two genes of CLCuMuV-Raj C4 and C1 in 2020 and 2021 respectively as compared to its isolates in 2018, which exhibited virus evolution. Surprisingly, we did not find these mutations in CLCuMuV-Raj isolates identified from Sindh province. The findings of the current study represent the stability of CLCuMuV-Raj and its spread toward the Sindh province where previously Cotton leaf curl Kokhran virus (CLCuKoV) and Cotton leaf curl Shahdadpur virus (CLCuShV) have been reported. The findings of the current study demand future research on CLCuD complex to explore the possible reasons for prevalence in the field and how the virus-host-vector compatible interaction can be broken to develop resistant cultivars.

Determination of hepatitis C virus subtype prevalent in Sindh, Pakistan: a phylogenetic analysis

Hepatitis is a major public health issue, affecting 10–17 million people worldwide, with its prevalence continuously increasing. The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is responsible for liver related diseases, which include liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and chronic hepatitis. Pakistan is experiencing a serious rise in HCV cases. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and distribution of HCV genotypes in Sindh, Pakistan. Serum samples from HCV-positive patients were collected from various local hospitals in Sindh. These samples were first screened for HCV antibodies using ELISA. Samples that tested positive for HCV RNA underwent further genotyping through sequencing using the standard Sanger method. The genotypes were identified by comparing the sequences with those available in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed. The phylogenetic analysis showed that all isolates in this study were clustered with genotypes 3a and 3b, except for one sequence that was clustered with genotype 1a. No isolates were found to be clustered with reference genomes of genotypes 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 suggesting that genotype 3a is endemic in this region. The analyzed sequences demonstrated a 98% similarity with reference and isolated sequences. In summary, sequencing of the HCV 5′ UTR essential for identifying the predominant genotype of HCV RNA in the Sindh region Further research on the distribution of HCV genotypes in other regions of Pakistan could aid in improving screening processes, identifying more effective treatment options, and developing suitable prevention strategies.

Analysis of Eating Disorders and Social Media Impact on health

Background: The proliferation of social media has significantly altered how individuals perceive body image and manage eating behaviors, leading to increased concern regarding the potential exacerbation of eating disorders. This study explores the intricate relationship between social media usage and the prevalence of eating disorders among adolescents and young adults. Objective: This study aims to determine the impact of social media on the health outcomes of individuals, specifically focusing on the development and intensification of eating disorder symptoms. It seeks to understand the role social media plays in shaping body image perceptions and eating behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the regions of Punjab and Sindh, involving 550 participants over the age of 18 who were regular users of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok. Standardized questionnaires and interviews were utilized to collect data on social media usage habits, eating behaviors, body image perception, and mental health status. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v27.0, employing correlation and regression techniques to examine the associations between social media exposure and symptoms of eating disorders. Results: The participant group consisted of 65% females and 35% males, with a mean age of 25.6 years. High engagement with social media was noted, with Instagram (80% usage, 2.5 hours/day) and YouTube (85% usage, 2.0 hours/day) being the most popular platforms. Significant correlations were found between social media addiction scores and various domains of eating disorders: restriction (r = 0.25, p < 0.001), binge eating (r = 0.30, p < 0.001), purging (r = 0.28, p < 0.001), and body dissatisfaction (r = 0.35, p < 0.001). Spearman’s correlations highlighted strong interrelationships among different eating disorder behaviors and social media addiction, indicating a pervasive influence across all examined aspects. Conclusion: The study confirms a significant association between social media usage and the exacerbation of eating disorder symptoms. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to promote healthy body image and eating behaviors on social media platforms.

Do Authentic Leadership And Organizational Citizenship Behavior Affect The Relationship Between Talent Management And Job Performance Among Teachers Of Private Sector Universities, Pakistan

The purpose of the research was to determine how talent management, authentic leadership, organizational citizenship behavior, and job performance are connected to one another. This research also looked at the link between talent management and job performance and the mediating roles that authentic leadership and organizational citizenship behavior play. Using the Organizational Citizenship Behaviour scale (Podsakoff, MacKenzie, Moorman, & Fetter, 1990), the Authentic Leadership scale (Walumbwa, Avolio, Gardner, Wernsing, & Peterson, 2008), the Job Performance scale (Goodman and Svyantek, 1999), and the talent management scale (Human Capital Institute, 2008), data were gathered from 539 teachers working in private institutions in the regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochestan, Punjab, and Sindh. According to the findings, there was a positive correlation between TM and AL (r =.496), TM and OCB (r =.391), and [1]TM and JP (r =.235). Additionally, a strong positive correlation between OCB and JP (r =.274) and AL and JP (r =.357) was also verified by the data. The inclusion of AL and OCB as mediators resulted in a drop in the regression coefficient of TM's impact on JP from 0.43 to 0.18. Therefore, the connection between TM and JP was partly mediated by AL and OCB.

Typhoid Fever: Pakistan's Unique Challenges and Pragmatic Solutions

Typhoid fever is a life-threatening disease caused by gram-negative bacteria Salmonella enteric serotype Typhi. Every year, this disease affects almost 21 million people worldwide, the majority of whom are from South Asia. According to the WHO, almost 11 to 21 million cases of typhoid fever and about 200,000 deaths from typhoid fever occurred all over the world. Pakistan health authorities have confirmed that from 2016 to 2020, almost 22,354 cases of typhoid fever were reported, out of which 15,717 cases were extensive drug-resistant typhoid fever reported from the different regions of Sindh. These calculations are used to measure the disease rate of typhoid fever, ratio is about 15.5/1,000, and the XDR strain of typhoid fever is highly resistant to the antibiotic, also known as extensive drug resistance. The diagnosis of typhoid fever is done by culture tests, serological test, nucleic acid assays, protein markers, and biomarkers. The proper diagnosis is very important to ensure the strain of typhoid fever, so treatment should be started accordingly.

The Impact of Maternal Weight With Fetal Outcome; A Cohort Study In An Underdeveloped Region Of Pakistan

Objective: This study has been conducted to observe the association of maternal weight with fetal outcomes among women in an underdeveloped region of interior Sindh. Methods: This was an observational study conducted at CMH Hospital Choor, from 1st November 2021 to 30th April 2022, on 84 pregnant women. All antenatal women as early as 16 weeks presented for antenatal visits, were included. Their BMI (body mass index) was calculated. Their increase in weight during pregnancy was noted. Any pre-existing medical complications (hypertension) antenatal or intrapartum complications (including Anemia, Preterm labour, IUGR, and fetal distress) were noted in the mother. The fetal APGAR score was calculated. The passage of meconium and, the need for NICU admission were noted. Results: There is a positive but insignificant and weak correlation between maternal and birth weight using Pearson correlation analysis. The correlation between the above two variables is 0.069 which is positive but weak. It was found that there was a significant association between low maternal weight and NICU admission of the baby at delivery, p-value < 0.05. There were 33 cases (39%) with low maternal weight of 35-46kg and 51 (61%) cases with normal weight of 47-58 kg. There was only one case of meconium aspiration. Conclusion: Women who had low BMI during the antenatal period were observed to be associated with increased morbidity and poor perinatal outcome of the fetus in terms of poor APGAR score, meconium staining and need for NICU admission. Keywords: BMI, IUGR, preterm labour, meconium staining, APGAR score

HEMATOLOGICAL VARIATIONS AND ASSESMENT OF HEAVY METALS IN SIDH SPARROW (PASSER PYRRHONOTUS) AS A BIOINDICATOR IN PUNJAB AREAS OF PAKISTAN

Sindh sparrows, prevalent in Sindh region of Pakistan, are non-migratory birds abundant in human-inhabited areas globally, except Antarctica. Given their close association with human settlements, these birds serve as crucial indicators for biological monitoring in regions affected by pollution. This study focused on assessing the hematological parameters and heavy metal concentrations in various organs of Sindh sparrows in the Punjab regions of Pakistan. The collected blood samples underwent analysis for hematological indices and heavy metal concentrations. The results indicated variability in hematological analysis of sparrows. Fluctuations were observed in the concentrations of different heavy metals, with significant differences in zinc and iron, while chromium, cadmium, and nickel concentrations showed non-significant differences. The patterns of heavy metal accumulation revealed higher concentrations of chromium, nickel, and iron in the liver, contrasting with the cadmium and zinc in kidneys. In conclusion, significant correlations were observed among the concentrations of Zinc, Chromium, Cadmium, Nickel, and Iron in kidney, liver, and muscles of both male and female Sindh sparrows. The findings underscore the need for further comprehensive studies to assess heavy metal accumulation in birds, highlighting the urgency to address environmental pollution that poses risks to avian species and human populations worldwide.

Factors Affecting E-Learning Performance in Private Higher Education Institutions: An Empirical Analysis

This research investigates the determinants of e-learning performance in private educational institutions in the Sindh region. Employing a quantitative methodology, the study utilized a closed-ended questionnaire for data collection. The survey was conducted at five private universities in Sindh with a focus on their experiences with e-learning implementation in traditional classrooms. A total of 250 questionnaires were collected, out of which 233 underwent thorough examination. Structural equation modeling, specifically Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), was employed to analyze the proposed conceptual model, using variance as a basis for assessment. The study reveals that the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) constructs related to effort expectancy exert a significant and positive influence on student behavior. Conversely, the performance expectancy variable does not exhibit a statistically significant impact on student e-learning performance. Furthermore, student performance is directly affected by other factors, such as organizational structure and extrinsic motivation. In contrast, concerning student behavior, extrinsic motivation emerges as the sole influential factor. The study's findings suggest that elements shaping behavior, including organizational structure, extrinsic motivation, and effort expectancy, play pivotal roles in enhancing student e-learning performance.

شیخ محمد حیات سندھی کی تصانیف کا تعارفی مطالعہ

No doubt, Sindh has received a distinctive position as the first land in the sub-continent, where the light of Islam spread all over. The region of Sindh has produced many Muslim scholars who were famous all around the Islamic world. One of them was Sheikh Muhammad Hayat Sindhi (d. 1163 A.H). He was one of the most distinguished Islamic scholars, jurists, and prolific authors of the Hanafī School of jurisprudence from Sindh. He was widely regarded as one of the foremost experts of Hadīth and jurisprudential studies, as well as other religious disciplines including Islamic literature. Sheikh Hayat Sindhi was born in Sindh, He acquired basic early education from his father, and after that, he went to Thatta and received education from Muhammad Moin Thattavi and other renowned scholars of Thatta. Then he migrated to Harmain Shareef for higher education in Islamic disciplines. He chose to live in Madinah and started teaching at Masjid e Nabvi. He continued teaching of Hadith for 24 years in Masjid Nabvi at Madinah. He wrote many books on various topics of Islamic studies and the social problems of Muslim society. His books are well known and important amongst Islamic scholars, His books are rich with wisdom, etiquette and ethical values that have been abstracted and retrieved from the Holy Qur’an, Hadiths and jurisprudential approaches of prominent scholars and intellectual evidence. This study focuses on the brief biography of Sheikh Hayat Sindhi and his work in various fields of Islamic knowledge. This study is also undertaken in response to the deep sense of admiration and appreciation for the books of Sheikh Hayat Sindhi.

Flood Risk Assessment Based on Hydrodynamic Model—A Case of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor

Under global warming, flooding has become one of the most destructive natural disasters along the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which significantly jeopardizes the construction and ongoing stability of the CPEC. The assessment of regional flood potential is, therefore, crucial for effective flood prevention and relief measures. In light of this, our study applied MIKE 11 hydrodynamic model for the Indus River Basin of Pakistan to achieve a comprehensive analysis of the flood-affected locations and depths under typical scenarios. The flood risk zones along the CPEC were evaluated using the indicator system method in conjunction with the combination weighting method. The results show that the hydrodynamic model has a Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.86, allowing for the investigation of floods at more precise temporal and spatial scales. Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan Provinces are the main inundation areas under a 100-year flood scenario, with inundation depths ranging from 1 to 4 m. The coastal regions of Sindh and Hafizabad in Punjab witnessed the most severe floods, with maximum inundation depths exceeding 8 m. Flooding predominantly impacts the southeastern region of the CPEC. The medium- to high-risk zones comprise 25.56% of the region, while high-risk areas constitute 4.18%. Particularly, the eastern and southern regions of Punjab, along with the central and southern regions of Sindh, have been pinpointed as high-risk areas, primarily due to their dense population and riverine characteristics. Overall, our findings provide a scientific basis for informed decision making pertaining to disaster reduction and flood prevention.

Screening the Soybean Varietal Lines for Selecting High-Yielding and Better Agronomic Traits Producing lines

Soybean (Glycine max), an economically significant legume originating from East Asia, serves as a valuable source of protein and oil globally. In Pakistan, soybean is considered a non-conventional oilseed crop, with successful cultivation possible during both the spring and summer seasons. The careful selection of appropriate varieties is a primary concern for soybean growers in the country. Therefore, experiments were conducted utilizing the newly developed varietal line in the agroecological zone of Tandojam to select the most suitable and adaptable varieties. A total of forty-six newly developed varietal lines, which have not yet been released, were evaluated alongside four released varieties (Ajmeri, Faisal, Jack, and Rawal) that are already being cultivated in various regions of the country. The field experiments were carried out at the experimental area of the Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA) in Tando Jam during the spring and summer seasons of 2018. Agronomic traits were recorded for each variety, and weather data were obtained from the Pakistan Meteorological Department. All agricultural practices were followed. The results indicate significant variations among the genotypes for all evaluated characteristics. Based on grain production, NIBGE32 exhibited the highest performance, achieving a notable yield of 22g during the summer season, which was 30% higher than the yield of the top-performing control variety, Faisal. Other newly developed varietal lines, namely NIBGE 18, NIBGE 8, NIBGE 45, and NIBGE 41, also demonstrated promising high-yield potential. These varieties displayed comparatively superior growth and yield outcomes. Germination percentage significantly vary in the spring and summer season (Mann-Whitney U =7925, P<0.01); whereas days to maturity, plant height, leaf area, lowest pod height, 100-grain weight, biological yield, seed weight per plant, were not significantly different in two seasons. This suggests a potential for these varietal lines to be cultivated in both seasons. This research endeavours to offer valuable insights and recommendations to farmers and policymakers, aiming to augment soybean production and advance agricultural sustainability in the region of Sindh.

Comparative analysis of phonological processes in English reading among Sindhi and English-speaking college learners

The research aimed to examine the phonological processes in English and assess the knowledge of phonological sounds among college students. The study utilized authentic newspaper paragraphs in everyday language from the Sindh region as the primary material. Data was collected from 30 young college participants who demonstrated proficiency in both English and Sindhi phonetics, with a specific focus on Received Pronunciation. The findings revealed substantial differences in accents between native speakers and those speaking English as a second language. It was observed that Sindhi English can be regarded as a distinct variety within the broader spectrum of Pakistani English. The study underscored the significant influence of one's first language on their pronunciation of a second language. Native speakers were able to accurately produce sounds even when such sounds were absent in their first language.

A way forward towards the demand-based agriculture water supply using satellite data: a case study of the data-scarce region of Sindh, Pakistan

A way forward towards the demand-based agriculture water supply using satellite data: a case study of the data-scarce region of Sindh, Pakistan

Variability in Virulence of Wheat Leaf Rust (Puccinia triticina) in the Sindh Province, Pakistan

Leaf rust of wheat caused by an obligate biotrophic fungus (Puccinia triticina), is one of the widespread diseases of wheat. The emergence of new virulent races of fungal pathogens threatens wheat cultivars’ resistance, leading to outbreaks that can cause substantial damage to crops and result in economic losses to farmers. Developing wheat cultivars that have resistance to virulent races is an effective means of reducing the frequency and impact of these outbreaks. An experiment was conducted at 5 locations (a trap nursery consisting of 37 lines of wheat leaf rust differentials and 115 commercial wheat cultivars was established against leaf rust pathogen), for evaluating the virulence pattern of leaf rust under natural field environments across wheat-producing regions of Sindh, Pakistan. Results revealed that Lr9, Lr19 and Lr28 genes were found effective under field environments. The moderate resistance was recorded for Lr18, Lr23 and Lr34 genes at two locations while Lr36 Lr37 genes had moderate resistance at most of the locations. Results also revealed that Rawal-87, Marvi-2000, Bhittai, Pirsabak-08, Faisalabad-08, Benazir-13 and Shalakot-13 were the commercial wheat varieties having resistance at all locations of Sindh during (year 1 and year 2) years while most of the cultivars showed susceptibility. The scenario clue to a dire necessity to widen the genetic base of Pakistani cultivars by incorporating genes for the resistance against disease. Furthermore, strong monitoring and regular surveys should be conducted for determining current virulence status and resistance genes.

Integrating Copernicus Satellite Products and Ground-Truthing for Documenting and Monitoring the Impact of the 2022 Extreme Floods in Pakistan on Cultural Heritage

The catastrophic floods that hit Pakistan in summer 2022 represent the latest example of climate change-induced extreme events occurring in South Asia. In addition to the dramatic impact on population and infrastructures, this event threatened UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS) and properties of national interest. However, while a wealth of national and international mapping initiatives were conducted based on satellite imagery to assess damage to people, buildings and economic goods, the impact caused to archaeological sites and monuments has not been fully unveiled yet. To bridge this gap and provide an integrated approach that can be used by local end-users to assess damage and, in turn, collect evidence to inform and improve risk management plans, the present paper integrates Sentinel-1 and 2 imagery and mapping products derived from them (e.g., Copernicus Emergency Management Service Global Flood Mapping) with ground-truthing and geospatial datasets. Through a multidisciplinary collaboration between geologists, archaeologists, remote sensing and satellite image analysts, the integration methodology was tested on UNESCO and other heritage sites of national relevance located in the two mostly affected regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh that were intentionally selected to represent different typologies of cultural heritage and governance in Pakistan. Finally, the information extracted from the present analysis was assessed in relation to the current national and international legislations, the official state of conservation reports and the activities conducted at each site to protect them against flood events. Given the accessibility to ready-to-use Copernicus products and that the present analysis can be replicated over time and other sites, the proposed methodology provides a feasible means to exploit satellite data in post-disaster mapping situations and contribute to the decision-making process for risk management.